Government / Economics Government says US Supreme Court move could shift 15% tariffs on NZ goods, but details unclear Wellington reports exports have held up despite the US tariff; Embassy seeking clarity after court announcement as uncertainty persists.
Government / Economics $3.5m over five years to restore 3,000ha burned in Tongariro fires Funding from the International Visitor Levy will back weed and pest control, biodiversity monitoring and deer management, in partnership with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro.
New Zealand / Government Automatic jury excusal age lifted to 72 from 21 February People aged 65–71 will no longer have an automatic opt-out from jury duty, with ordinary health and hardship excusals still applying.
Government / Emergency Government puts $3m into Rangitata upgrade to keep supplies moving when roads fail A deck-mounted loader will let the coastal vessel shift bulk cargo at small or damaged ports, with the gear due to be in service by the end of 2026.
Government / Economics Government loans $2m for planning work on Falls Dam replacement The funding kicks off two years of consenting and design for the 90-year-old structure, with irrigators matching the spend; construction remains uncommitted.
Government / Economics Queensland fruit fly ruled out in Mt Roskill; fruit and vege controls lifted The lifting of the Mt Roskill controls follows six weeks of trapping and checks after a single Queensland fruit fly was found in early January.
Government / New Zealand Government names six recipients of on‑farm advisory scholarships The $5,000 awards come with MPI mentoring and are pitched at building the pipeline of farm advisers.
New Zealand / Government Mt Roskill produce controls lifted after six-week fruit fly sweep Biosecurity ends local operation with no further Queensland fruit fly detections; routine trapping continues across Auckland and nationwide.
Health / Government Rapid-build 28-bed ward under way at Nelson Hospital to keep seismic work moving The unit is designed to decant services during redevelopment, with off-site fabrication and six months of on-site construction planned.
Government / Health WorkSafe opens investigation into Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park over pre-landslide safety The regulator will examine health and safety at the park in the period before the 22 January landslide.
Government / New Zealand Career Crown prosecutor Brett Tantrum appointed to High Court The Attorney-General has named Auckland lawyer Brett Tantrum to the High Court bench; he will sit in Auckland from 30 March 2026.
Government / World Government signs IEA minerals declaration, points to NZ role in secure supply chains Watts and Jones back Paris plan on critical minerals as ministers talk up local potential; details on projects and stockpiles still to come.
